Corduroys don't exactly have the best reputation in the fashion world...the mere word reminds me of faded-kneed, wide-ridged cord pants sported by many at elementary school recess. However, a reader mentioned Gap's skinny cords a while back, and I was very intrigued by this denim-alternative, updated with a skinny cut and a selection of rich Fall colors.

Nick: "fix yo earrings!"

These are stretchy and lightweight (note: thin), and for reference, fit just like their legging jeans. I love the aubergine purple, but what is up with the 26" inseam? The website lists petite inseam at 27" but my measuring tape says a solid 26.

I have noticed with recent online orders of Gap legging jeans that the petite length is getting shorter and shorter than last year's jeans - too short even for this 5 foot tall gal. Being that petite sizing is for women 5'4" and under, I'm a bit miffed. I got these for 40% off but returned them. I'd rather pick up the regular 00 on deeper sale and hem them myself, than wear too-short pants in the cold (plus who knows how much they'd shrink after a wash & dry!).

I saw the GAP cords in store the other day, and was REALLY surprised at how thin the fabric was! I think your photos of them make the look soooo luxurious - the GAP photos online are awful. They need to re-think their photography, it's not the only item I've noticed looks terrible online but better in store.

I had a pair of cords in college - dark khaki colored that I wore to death so I am NOT afraid of cords - although I hated them in elementary school. If you find the right style and cord fabric, they're not so bad. Like these. But whoa on the inseam! 26" is really, really short!

I've been wanting a pair of grey skinny cords lately, but that color is really nice. Not sure where I'd wear them to, though. And 26" is a really short inseam for my oddly proportioned legs, but I don't think they are too short on you. You probably like a little bit of bunching at the bottom like I do, but those look like a very good length without looking cropped. A little bit longer and might not look as stream-lined.

I usually buy Gap petite pants and was in the store and tried on these in the regular length just to see the fit/feel of the pants. I was shocked that the length was perfect on me (I'm 5'1"). These pants are thin, but a good denim alternative for the fall. Now just waiting for a sale :)

I've never been a fan of cords either bec sometimes the material is reminiscent of a velvet/terrycloth track suit which scare me lol. But I loved the color on you from your prev post and ordered the same pair in 00p! I like only a little scrunching on jeggings so I happen to really like 26" inseam on you here. Do you dislike the length because you prefer more scrunch or bec the length rides up too far when you sit?

It is very strange that they shortened the inseam for petites. I can't see these pants looking good on anyone taller than our 5 feet.

Ordering 00 and doing a self-hem might be a better option to get the preferred length. For their light-weight supper skinny jeggings I found the 00 ran slightly slimmer than the 00p, but not sure if this is the case for their other jeggings.

By the time I finally got around to ordering these, the aubergine was gone in size 00P, so I ordered the rust instead. I don't really have high hopes for these, and would prefer they not be cord...but the great pant search of 2011 must know no boundaries! :)

J.Crew Hacking jacket!! Jealous!!! The length is WAY too long for my figure. Looking forward to your review!

I love the jegging on you! What a nice way to start fall!IMHO, petites like me can't complain about the 26" inseam, my inseam is 25" and I never knew GAP's jegging actually fit me so perfectly, disregard I still have to hem it an inch shorter. I am socking up on this pair with 4 colors!

If you search victoriassecret.com for casual pants, you'll find a lot of modern corduroy in fall colors. Most go as short as 30". Skinny and bootcut. Size 0 is 24" waist and 34.5" hip, but I'm smaller than that and the XS/0-2 yoga pants fit me fine. 00 will be a 23" waist and 33.5" hip advertised.

At Delia's: http://store.delias.com/browse.do?categoryID=2448&sidenavTrack=apparel.pants.fabric.corduroy&incmpid=LNavapparel.pants.fabric.corduroy

Inseam as short as 26" and size 00. A 00 is listed at 22" waist and 32" hips. 6 colors.

Too funny, my gap cords just arrived today! I bought the rust color, and love them for fall...and I actually like the shorter length...I find it easier to pair with heels/booties. I also bought the J Crew hacking jacket but will be returning...I had to buy a size smaller because they were already sold out of my size, but it's ok cause I'm not $200 in love with it anyway! I really love the color you chose for these cords!

that's the color that I'm interested for the cords - that or rust, but I have a pair of bootcut cords that are rust so I'm thinking I need a different color.

I think they look great on you with the heels, but if they're too short for you, then I know I will have to go with the regular as well. They sure photograph fantastically well. I was going to head to GAP tomorrow - UTC here I come!

i think the ensemble looks amazing on you. I have to say, your hair always looks amazing. My hair is always all over the place, despite putting stuff in my hair. I have to straighten it to make it less crazy.

Sometimes, smaller sizes are slightly shorter, which could explain why the 00Ps are a 26" instead of 27". I LOOOOOVE that hacking jacket. I'm seriously considering ordering one, but am totally not sure which one to get!!!

These look great! I must just have to give them a try! :) I"m so glad I found and follow your blog because the things you find/wear give me great clothing inspiration. You can make anything look good it seems. Just the other day I was at Gap and overlooked the bowtie shirt. After I saw your post on it (and mentioned that it was on sale on top of that) I went straight back and got it because you made it look that much better for a nice work shirt. ;)

I bought these pants! I love them, especially the color. Yeah, Gap has been switching on the lengths because I checked online and the regular on these were a 30 inch inseam. I'm 5ft also and I got the regular size. They are just a bit baggy at the bottom, but not by much. I still need to see what happens when I wash them. :)

Loving the cords!! Next time I go to GAP I will definitely have to check these out myself. 27" is actually still a bit long for me so maybe I'll have better luck. Hope so, because the colors are gorgeous.

What a gorgeous colour. Rust looks pretty nice too! I think the length looks "okay" there because it'll just be floor length when you wear flats? A longer pant would just stack at the same spot when you're in heels, wouldn't it?

And I love cords! I have two pairs of Current/Elliott ones in size 23 that fit really well. They're pretty similar to the "toasted almond" and the "justice blue" on the Gap page. Leggings? Are the pockets functional?

Could you do a post on the best boots for petites? I am struggling with fit/proportion as I decide on a nice looking but casual pair for fall.

Booties or high boots? Heels/no heels? I like the comfort and warmth of the cute flat boots or those wit a slight wedge...but so many of them are slouchy which seems to shorten the leg line and I end up feeling stumpy. Ditto for the biker style which aren't really my scene anyway. Those with heels seem to trend towards the very dressy/dominatrix.

I'm finding the ankle boots to be surprisingly flattering but they seem to run headlong into the conventional wisdom of cutting your leg off at the ankle.

I am tempted by the lovely browns and greys as well. But I find that eye-catching shoes in my case tends to pull the eye downward.

I like how you've styled your boots in previous posts so tips would be much appreciated.

Can I ask how old you are? I don't mean to be overly critical, but I feel like you dress a little bit too old for someone who is in their 20s. I love your high quality, clean, tailored, and well styled outfits. But the more I go through the pictures I feel like it's almost a waste how much you cover up and go for the granny pearls.

I'm not sure of how old you are or what you do for a living, so please don't be offended. I'm just curious! I would love to see you in more youthful, trendy, figure showing outfits (patterns, lower necklines, skinny jeans, flowy tops), but I understand if that's not the point of this blog or your style. I just think it is a little bit TOO mature for someone so youthful looking, and I would love to see some things that I could wear esp. because I don't have to dress in a work environment yet!

@anonymous 8:45amactually, i don't think she dresses too mature for her age. her outfits are chic, sophisticated, and trendy. i think she has great personal style and unique for her. a person does not need to wear revealing, low-cut outfits to show that they are young....and it does depend on where you are in life/your situation, that's how you'll dress. :)

Jean, for what it's worth those do look fantastic on you regardless of the length. I just ordered these in 00R the other day when they were on sale for 30% off. I had heard the petites were running really short, so hopefully they'll be just right (I have a 29" inseam with flats). I had a similar problem with J. Crew's bi-stretch wool Minnies in 00P - they had a 23.5" inseam! I mean, I know they're supposed to be ankle length, but I don't want to run around in crops during the fall and winter time! Sheesh. Also, LOVE the blazer. Can't wait to see your review on it. :)

Hey! I'm Kate, and I've been a huge fan of your blog. That's why I awarded you with the "Tell Me About Yourself Award." Here's the link to participate if you'd like: http://prettykeenkate.blogspot.com/2011/10/tell-me-about-yourself-award-thank-you.html

I've been eying these! Very good review :) I love cords and wear them all fall and winter...so comfy! I usually buy J Brand and find they have a good weight, but always have to hem them. Also, I've been trying to track down the boots worn by the model in the Gap picture...anyone have any clues?!? xxKelly

@R.L. Let me know how yours work out when they arrive! I disliked the 26" inseam because I'm suspecting cotton will shrink a little in the wash. I don't need scrunch, but any shorter from wash & dry and these will be too short for my legs.

@Anonymous calcho is right, they're just naturally highlighted from the summer. You could ask for warm brown highlights to be woven in (not streaky!).

@CynthiaC Good point, the inseam measurements are usually taken from a sz 6 (some sites list it out) so it makes sense the 00P measures shorter than the listed length.

@Michelle So glad you scored it on sale! I've been asked by my coworkers to stop (over) wearing it but it's such an easy neutral : /

@Anonymous Thank you for the suggestion - I'll keep it in mind for future posts, after I find my ideal boot. I agree ankle booties, esp in dark colors, truncate the leg at the ankle, but they are so chic that I'm ok with the reduced visual streamlining. I would ideally like a boot collection with ankle boots, flat riding boots that come an inch below your knee, and also classic heeled leather boots that hit an inch or two below the knee.

@ko0ty No hair products but while my hair is still damp (post-towel drying), I clip back the crown section and then pull it up and let it dry that way for extra volume up top.

I love cords in rich colors like this! I bought two pairs in a burgundy (a touch redder than the ones you're wearing here) and dark teal, from Delia's of all places! My only complaint is that their Morgan skinny is more like a slim bootcut. I'd prefer a slimmer leg, more like the pair you're wearing here, but otherwise I like the fit.

I love your cords! I have a dark red pair as well! I am totally planning on wearing them this fall! As soon as this California weather becomes cold enough that is! Also, I love your blog. I am a new blogger and your blog helped me get the courage to start my own!

Just thought I would finally comment! I've been reading your blog for a few months and I love it being a petite asian girl as well. :)

I ended up being at the mall the day after you posted this and I tried on the cords too. They must have just come out or something cause all the sizes were at the store I went to but it's in a suburb of Vancouver, Canada.

In store they only had regular, which you know, and they also ran pretty short. They weren't as long as normal legging jeans from Gap but were noticeably shorter. Even on the mannequin, you could see it was a bit shorter. Anyways, just thought I would share my observations in case you were interested in getting them.

What do you guys think of wide leg pants for petite women. I am about 4'10 and was looking for camel pants. AT has them but they only come in wide legs. Do you think with the right well fitted top i can pull these off?

@Vaidehi with the right fitted top and the pants hemmed to the right length, yes, it can be pulled off. However I've tried wide legged styles a few times and I think a very high heel is needed (on me, anyways) to balance out the wideness. Maybe hold off and look for better cuts in the camel pant? Check LOFT too.

I agree Delias fits us small folks, but the quality is poor for the price. For the same price I can get 100x better quality at J crew kids section. I will admit that Delias has some cute and very tempting things. I wish they would use better fabric and offer free shipping and returns.